Rodrigo Mendoza Vega took office replacing Octavio de Jesús Duque.
Colombia.- On March 3rd, Rodrigo Mendoza Vega officially became the new manager of the Medellín Lottery, one of the most emblematic entities of the Antioquia department and the country. Appointed by Governor Andrés Julián Rendón, Mendoza takes over after the resignation of Octavio de Jesús Duque, who led the institution for 14 months and left a legacy of notable results, such as the transfer of approximately COP112,000m (USD27m) to the health sector in 2024.
A lawyer from the University of Medellín, Mendoza Vega has a solid academic background that includes specializations in Human Talent Management (EAFIT), Labor Law and Social Security, and Marketing Management (both at the Pontifical Bolivarian University), as well as a Master's in Political Science from the same institution. He is currently a doctoral candidate.
He also has experience in local politics: he was a deputy in the Assembly of Antioquia for six consecutive terms between 2001 and 2015, presiding over the corporation in 2003, and served as Undersecretary of Human Talent and Organizational Development of the Department of Antioquia for more than a year before this appointment.
Upon his arrival at the Medellín Lottery, Mendoza expressed a clear commitment: “I aspire for the Lottery to continue being the country's leading lottery and to keep making transfers to the health sector of the department and the country. I find the entity to be very well positioned and I have the obligation to maintain its good name, seeking more resources for the benefit of all Colombians.” His words reflect his intention to consolidate the leadership of the institution, which has become a key pillar for health financing in Antioquia.
During his time in the Assembly, Mendoza was noted for promoting initiatives in favor of education, health, the environment, and major road infrastructure projects. He was also a staunch defender of small and medium-sized mining, as well as the protection of the sea on the Antioquian coasts. Among his legislative achievements are Ordinance 24 of 2011, which established the Departmental Public Policy on Sports, and Ordinance 8 of 2003, which institutionalized the Day of Solid Waste Separation.
